News Release

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Two Killed by Drunk Driver NR11001mg

Los Angeles: A driver and her passenger were killed last night when a suspected drunk and reckless driver sped through a red stoplight.

On December 31, 2010, just before midnight, two officers assigned to a crime suppression detail in 77th Street Area observed a reckless driver. The officers saw a white Geo Prism driving a high rate of speed in a westerly direction on Florence Avenue. The suspect failed to stop for a red light at Van Ness Avenue.

The officers working in full uniform and in a marked black and white patrol vehicle activated their emergency lights and siren. It is not clear whether or not the driver knew the police were behind him. When the driver of the car did not stop, the officers radioed that they were in pursuit. Moments later, the driver sped through the intersection of Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard without attempting to stop for a red light. The suspect collided with a black, Infinity Sport Utility Vehicle which had been southbound on Crenshaw Boulevard. The impact caused the SUV to roll over and strike a pole, where it came to rest. Responding officers immediately requested LAFD personnel, who were required to cut the victims from the vehicle.

LAFD personnel transported the driver of the SUV, 50-year old Demetria Dorsey of Los Angeles, to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her passenger/husband, 54-year-old Kelvin Dorsey, was pronounced dead at the scene. The couple had been returning home from a function at a co-workers residence when the accident occurred.

The suspect, identified as Jorge Alberto Molina of Culver City, described as a male, Hispanic, 27 Years-old, ran from the scene and collapsed approximately 20 yards south of the collision. Molina was taken into custody without further incident by responding officers. He suffered a minor injury from the traffic collision. Investigators established probable cause to believe that Molina was under the influence of alcohol. Molina was booked at 77th Jail Section on two counts of California Penal Code Section 187 Murder.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Anyone with information regarding the suspected drunk driver or his activities prior to the collision is asked to call South Traffic Area Detective Charles Martin at 323-290-6063. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.